Supported Removal of Wrecks from Tingalpa Creek

4BC interview with Mark BraybrookThanks to 4BC for permission to use this audio

REMOVE THE WRECKS FROM TINGALPA CREEK
It happened like this: A respected lady paddler said she was fed up with the look of the creek and these massive hulks sitting, rotting there. Letters she sent to the state department came back suggesting 'nothing would be done'. So, she talked to a friend who called me to come and have a look on Clean Up Australia Day 2015. I suggested we invite Don Brown, MP for Capalaba, and he attended. We went for a paddle together. I took some photos, video & created a Facebook Group. 4BC Radio wanted to record an interview, which raised regional awareness. We met with Mangrove Watch (Trop Water) who gave us an update suggesting there were 7 abandoned vessels in the creek and it was one of the worst in SEQ. Don Brown MP created an e-petition to State Parliament. The Chair of the Recreational Boating Council of Queensland invited me to present at their Committee Meeting and when I did, we had a great discussion. Within a few weeks of all of this phenomenal work, State & Local Council Officers from Maritime Safety Queensland and other local organisations discussed a process for removal. By the end of 2015, the Wrecks had been Removed from Tingalpa Creek by state officers. And I was delighted to share this as an update. The success was also reported in The Courier Mail a the result of a 'Community Campaign' that I call Local Community Action.
Thanks to all who assisted, supported, petitioned and raised awareness for this important and common sense process, especially Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club (for which I am a patron), MSQ & a host of individuals, media agencies & organisations.